The Vapors’ 1980 ear worm regularly makes it onto “Where are they now?” lists, but that hardly does the band justice. In an age of nuclear dread they saw what I saw, and it gave me hope.
I just stumbled across this, and you articulate EXACTLY the way I felt when first heard New Clear Days, in 1980. I have spent much of the last 40 years trying to convince anyone who woulds listen why it's a masterpiece.
FYI...the band is back together, having released a 3rd album in 2020, and I just recorded and produced a 4th album for them, which will be released in about 3 weeks. I'm a bit biased, but it's REALLY good. Dave's writing is as sharp and and as clever as ever. https://redchuckrecords.bandcamp.com/music
Hey, thank you Michael—so pleased you found this (and that they’re still making great music)! I interviewed @Tony Fletcher on punk history and learned he has a personal connection with the band too. I’ll keep an eye out for the new one!….
The first MTV video and Rodney spinning on KROQ changed my life! The Vapors are mates of my husband and prior to their fairly recent touring he did a video spot promoting their comeback!
That's so beautiful and hopeful indeed: "The ’80s may have been a decade of disposable music, but The Vapors’ transmission reached me at the right moment, just as I was sinking beneath the waves. I heard it, pulled myself to shore, and started walking towards something more hopeful." I didn't grow up in the 80s, but I was always pulled to 80s music, especially new wave and gothic rock. This has been such a treat to read!
Appreciate that! Sadly, I didn't include it in the initial share, but there's now a link to a FASCINATING interview with Coppersmith-Heaven about how (and why) The Jam records sound so punchy and tight....
I just stumbled across this, and you articulate EXACTLY the way I felt when first heard New Clear Days, in 1980. I have spent much of the last 40 years trying to convince anyone who woulds listen why it's a masterpiece.
FYI...the band is back together, having released a 3rd album in 2020, and I just recorded and produced a 4th album for them, which will be released in about 3 weeks. I'm a bit biased, but it's REALLY good. Dave's writing is as sharp and and as clever as ever. https://redchuckrecords.bandcamp.com/music
Thanks for carrying the torch.
Hey, thank you Michael—so pleased you found this (and that they’re still making great music)! I interviewed @Tony Fletcher on punk history and learned he has a personal connection with the band too. I’ll keep an eye out for the new one!….
The first MTV video and Rodney spinning on KROQ changed my life! The Vapors are mates of my husband and prior to their fairly recent touring he did a video spot promoting their comeback!
Oh how cool! Love what a small world it can still be….
Yes indeed 🙌
That's so beautiful and hopeful indeed: "The ’80s may have been a decade of disposable music, but The Vapors’ transmission reached me at the right moment, just as I was sinking beneath the waves. I heard it, pulled myself to shore, and started walking towards something more hopeful." I didn't grow up in the 80s, but I was always pulled to 80s music, especially new wave and gothic rock. This has been such a treat to read!
Appreciate that a great deal, friend....
Great read!
Appreciate that! Sadly, I didn't include it in the initial share, but there's now a link to a FASCINATING interview with Coppersmith-Heaven about how (and why) The Jam records sound so punchy and tight....
Thanks, looking forward to reading that!